Former President Trump visited Allentown, Pennsylvania, and spoke at the PPL Center, home to the Flyers affiliate Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Trump asked the crowd if they were better off now than four years ago and criticized Vice President Harris for the loss of manufacturing jobs and inflation. He promised to bring about America’s new golden age and mocked Democrats for their desperation in the current state of the election. Most of Trump’s remarks focused on his plan for a second term, including securing the border and dealing with illegal immigration.
Local candidates and lawmakers also spoke at the event, showing their support for Trump and his policies. State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie expressed the need for leaders like Trump to bring peace around the world, while State Sen. Jarrett Coleman criticized claims that Republicans are the extreme party. He listed examples of what he considered extreme positions held by Democrats, such as bailing out rioters, supporting late-term abortions, and banning gas stoves and lawnmowers. Coleman urged the crowd to fire the failure and hire the fighter, referring to the need for new leadership.
However, not all high-profile Allentonians were in support of Trump. Former congressman Charlie Dent, a Republican, announced on C-Span’s Washington Journal that he will be voting for Harris in the upcoming election. Dent cited disagreements with Trump and praised Harris for being honorable, in contrast to what he viewed as Trump’s dishonorable behavior. Dent criticized Trump for his narcissism, lack of interest in policy, and other negative traits that he had observed while in office.
The political landscape in Allentown is divided, with the city itself leaning heavily Democratic while the suburbs are more purple and red. In recent elections, Allentown has been the site of hard-fought victories for both parties, with Trump winning neighboring Northampton County in 2016 and President Biden winning it back in 2020. Lehigh County, where Allentown is located, tends to lean Democratic in county-wide contests but has red pockets in the northern and southern tiers.
Overall, Trump’s visit to Allentown sparked both support and opposition from local politicians and residents. His speech focused on familiar themes such as the economy and immigration, while local leaders voiced their support for his policies and vision for a second term. The city’s political landscape reflects the broader division within the country, with different areas showing varying levels of support for different parties. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the direction that Allentown and the surrounding areas will take in the coming years.
